Right tackle Ian Allen is the other concern. He struggled against Leonard Little last week Sunday and Collins took some big hits, losing a fumble that led to a Rams field goal.

By the second half, the Giants focus shifted to Barber, who ran for 146 yards on 24 carries.

"We needed to quicken up our throwing pace, so we werent taking five- and seven-step drops," Barber said. "We were taking three-step drops and getting rid of the ball."

Collins, who threw for a team-record 4,073 yards last season, was limited to 202 yards, completing 14 of 26 passes.

"So our passing game wasnt what we wanted it to be," Barber said. "It doesnt mean its not going to be. But the running game had to take the brunt and we did well with it when we had to in the second half."

Over the past three seasons, the Giants have had trouble keeping the running game going. Barber has had nine 100-yard rushing games of the 50 he has played in that span, which includes the postseason.

Collins appreciated the running game last week on a day when the Rams didnt give him much time to find Amani Toomer, Jeremy Shockey and Ike Hilliard.

Of his 202 yards, 77 came on one pass to Toomer.

"Weve been talking a lot about throwing the ball and that sort of thing, but if were going to be a good offense, we are going to have to run the ball," Collins said Friday.

The Cowboys werent bad against the run in their 27-13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. They gave up 98 yards on 30 carries, a 3.3-yard average.

While it isnt as big as most teams, the Dallas defense can go sideline-to-sideline quickly.

"We have to find creative ways to take advantage of that," said Barber, who played most of last week with a dislocated finger. "Its not easy with these guys. It hasnt been their defense over the years that has caused troubles. Its been other aspects for their team."

Barber is looking forward to Mondays game, which has been hyped as Bill Parcells return to the Meadowlands for the first time as the Cowboys coach. Parcells led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles before stepping down as coach in May 1991. He also coached New England and the Jets before leaving the game in 1999. Dallas lured him back this season.